Effectiveness of Three Different Application Times of 17% EDTA and 7% Maleic Acid Irrigation Agents on the Removal of Debris and Smear Layer: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study

Abstract

Aim: This study compared smear-layer and debris removal using with three different application times of 17% EDTA and 7% maleic acid irrigation agents.
 Methodology: Fifty-two maxillary and mandibular single-rooted teeth were divided randomly into seven groups (n = 8 each, control group n = 4). Three groups received 17% EDTA and three received maleic acid (1, 5, 10 min). Canals were prepared using nickel-titanium rotary files. Smear-layer and debris removal were evaluated in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the teeth using scanning electron microscopy, and results were analyzed compared using Mann–Whitney U tests.
 Results: Maleic acid removed the smear layer (coronal and middle: p<0.01; apical: p<0.05) and debris (all p< 0.05) more effectively than EDTA in terms of 1 min application period. Effectiveness did not differ significantly with 10-min applications.
 Conclusions: Final irrigation with 7% maleic acid is more efficient than 17%EDTA in the removal of smear layer and debris from the coronal, middle and apical third of the root canal system in application within 1 min. 
 How to cite this article: Kaya S, Adıgüzel Ö, Ganidağlı Ayaz S. Effectiveness of Three Different Application Times of 17% EDTA and 7% Maleic Acid Irrigation Agents on the Removal of Debris and Smear Layer: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study. Int Dent Res 2011;2:48-54.
 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.